posted 06-23-2013 09:44 PM
Calvin "Cal" Fowler, who was the test conductor for General Dynamics at Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 14 from 1955 through 1965, died on June 21, 2013.

Fowler wrote about his own experiences as part of an online profile.

My first job out of college was to design and operate the autopilot launch control equipment used in launching the Atlas missile from Cape Canaveral, FL. I was promoted to Chief of Activation Engineering in Cheyenne, Wyoming to install and turnover to the U.S. Air Force 18 Atlas missile sites.

The most exciting assignment at General Dynamics was the Mercury Atlas Test Conductor for the launch of Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra and Gordon Cooper.

Fowler then served as the base manager for General Electric support services at Kennedy Space Center from January 1970 until the end of Apollo in 1975. From 1982 through 1993, he continued working at Kennedy Space Center as a project manager for McDonnell Douglas.

Prior to his passing, Fowler served as the academic dean and an adjunct professor at the Space Coast campus of Webster University.

A moment of silence can be signified by a reply with no words and only a period.

SpaceAholicMember

Posts: 3116From: Sierra Vista, ArizonaRegistered: Nov 1999

posted 06-23-2013 09:46 PM
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randyMember

Posts: 1351From: West Jordan, Utah USARegistered: Dec 1999

posted 06-23-2013 10:10 PM
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sts205cdrMember

Posts: 539From: Sacramento, CARegistered: Jun 2001

posted 06-23-2013 10:14 PM
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KSCartistMember

Posts: 2553From: Titusville, FL USARegistered: Feb 2005

posted 06-24-2013 03:57 AM
For a time (and others will know the dates) Cal also served as the head of the US Space Walk of Fame Foundation in Titusville.

He will be missed.

GACspaceguyMember

Posts: 1456From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006

posted 06-24-2013 05:30 AM
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GilbertMember

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posted 06-24-2013 07:06 AM
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albatronMember

Posts: 2152From: Stuart, Florida, USARegistered: Jun 2000

posted 06-24-2013 08:23 AM
I had the honor of meeting him at the SWOF, a true gentleman, and humble giant. RIP.

capoetcMember

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posted 06-24-2013 08:30 AM
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JeffMember

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posted 06-24-2013 08:35 AM
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413 is inMember

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posted 06-24-2013 09:33 AM
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jasonelamMember

Posts: 467From: Monticello, KY USARegistered: Mar 2007

posted 06-24-2013 11:13 AM
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East-FrisianMember

Posts: 421From: GermanyRegistered: Apr 2005

posted 06-24-2013 12:46 PM
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DChudwinMember

Posts: 1005From: Lincolnshire IL USARegistered: Aug 2000

posted 06-24-2013 10:32 PM
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hlbjrMember

Posts: 329From: Delray Beach Florida USARegistered: Mar 2006

posted 06-25-2013 03:23 AM
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MCroft04Member

Posts: 1245From: Smithfield, Me, USARegistered: Mar 2005

posted 07-02-2013 07:52 PM
I asked my friend Terry "missile man" Terhune who worked on the Atlas if he knew Calvin. His response "yes, I knew him. Both Grads of U of Wis. both started at Cape on atlas for USAF., former NASA Atlas" Terry and his wife Barbara were over tonight for wine, cheese, and more and it was a great evening listening to stories about the old days at NASA. Thus this night is dedicated to Calvin!

KiteMember

Posts: 267From: Northampton UKRegistered: Nov 2009

posted 07-03-2013 04:30 PM
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David CareyMember

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posted 07-03-2013 06:13 PM
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dss65Member

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posted 07-03-2013 09:00 PM
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ozspaceMember

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posted 07-03-2013 09:16 PM
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astro-nutMember

Posts: 570From: washington, Illinois USARegistered: Jan 2006

posted 07-06-2013 09:28 AM
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Robert PearlmanEditor

Posts: 28234From: Houston, TXRegistered: Nov 1999

posted 11-26-2013 11:01 AM
I was just sorting through some old e-mails, when I came across a misfiled message from Nov. 1, 2012, that went completely unnoticed when it was received.

It was from Cal Fowler.

I don't know what inspired him to write, and his e-mail doesn't make a specific request, but I regret not having the chance to reply to him. Here is what he wrote:

I am one of the retired space program workers. My biggest claim to fame was I was responsible for the Mercury Atlas launch team that put Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra and Gordon Cooper in orbit during the Mercury Program. Without the launch teams Astronauts would have never gotten into space by themselves.

I admit the Astronauts put their lives at risk when they climb aboard a rocket for their ride into space. Just think of the pressure on the launch team. If something goes wrong and the astronaut gets injured or killed. The launch team will live with that on their minds forever and will probably be called dunces for having participated in the astronauts death.